Scott Gumbleton retires from AFL after failing to play for Fremantle Dockers

Fremantle forward Scott Gumbleton announced his retirement from the AFL ranks on Monday, but insists his ongoing injury woes were not the driving force behind his decision.

Gumbleton, 26, looked set for a long AFL career after being drafted second by Essendon in the 2006 national draft, but ongoing issues with his back and hamstrings restricted him to just 35 games over eight seasons.

Gumbleton hoped his switch to Fremantle at the end of last season would usher in a fresh start, but those dreams were shattered when he tore his hamstring during a preseason game, with the 197-centimetre spearhead failing to notch a game for the Dockers.

Gumbleton's one-year deal was due to expire at the end of this season and he said it was time for him to start a new chapter in his life.

"It was basically that I had eight good years playing footy and I found out that it wasn't working for me, so I've decided to move on with my life and try something new," Gumbleton said.

"But that's all right. I'm happy with that.

"It's disappointing that footy didn't work out the way I wanted it to, but I can't fault myself for having a crack.

"I gave it all I had. It just didn't work out."

Gumbleton becomes the second Docker to retire this season, following in the footsteps of cult figure Kepler Bradley.

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